Getting Around in Russia

Not long ago, Aeroflot was the only airline that served internal Russia. Now there is a great number of companies that can deliver you to any place in Russia you might wish to visit. However, the service may differ.

Aerflot has offered deals a couple times a year from major US hub cities to Moscow. It is a deep discount to watch out for. Other airlines these days definitely compete for that discounted rate, though. Take your time and shop for the best deal below $1000 roundtrip.

Railroad

Another way to travel through Russia is to take a train. The country has developed rail network that makes trains a viable means of getting to practically anywhere. They are cheap and comfortable. However, they are too time consuming. The air and rail network run on Moscow time but the suburban train services work on local time.

For someone on a budget the train is a great way to travel between Western Russia and European countries. They are indeed very comfortable, nicer (I hear) than some European trains. It is economical and easy to sleep on the train if you're going overnight.

Horses

Russian horses are a great way to travel when between small towns. They are comfortable and very well served.

Cars

Driving in Russia can be a little bit difficult for those who haven't gotten used to the rough road conditions.

Obtaining permits for owning cars for foreigners is a lengthly ordeal. Importing a car into Russia as a foreigner is even worse. Some expats (those that can afford it) buy cars once they're in Russia and hire a driver from a driving company to smooth out the paperwork process. It's less of an ordeal that way.

Public Transportation

In Moscow, using taksis, buses, minibuses, trams and the Metro is pretty everyday commonplace. Only the wealthy actually own their own cars. The public transportation system in Moscow is one of the very best in the world, so use it. Subway trains in the Metro leave every few minutes, so there is no need to time your arrival at the station. Negotiate your fare with the private taksi drivers; they'll try to rip you off if you don't bargain. Otherwise, fares are preset, paid for upfront and cheap. The Metro is open until late and you can always catch a taksi home whenever.

River transport

River transport remains an important way of transportation, especially in summer. Using paasenger boats you can travel far along the major Russian Rivers.The main passenger services ply between Moscow and St Petersburg and between Moscow and various points on the Volga and Don including Yaroslavl, Nizhny Novgorod, Volgograd, Astrakhan and Rostov-on-Don. The trip for sure will be fun.